Cincinnati weekend tips from August 23 to 25

I I hope you’ve been enjoying the unseasonably pleasant temperatures, as the typical August heat is back this weekend. If you need a distraction from sweating, try one of these weekend events – one of which might make you sweat for other reasons.

Not your ordinary paint and drink: Blacklight body and canvas painting

James Reynolds, operator of Not Your Average Paint and Sip, prides himself on hosting fun yet educational paint parties – this Friday’s is no exception. Ninety percent of the class will be held under black light to explore the medium of black light reactive paint for body and canvas. Admission is $55 and includes a free bar and non-alcoholic options. Friday, August 23, 6:30-9 p.m., Not Your Average Paint and Sip, 1300 Pendleton St., Studio 400a, Pendleton

Germania Society Oktoberfest

If you’re ready to break out your lederhosen and ring in Oktoberfest season, the Germania Society is here for you. Cincinnati’s original celebration returns for its 53rd year with the largest German beer selection in the tri-state area. It will be a weekend of traditional German food, dancing, music, competitions, beer (of course) and a new armored combat tournament. Admission is $5 and children under 12 are free. Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25, Germania Society, 3529 W. Kemper Rd., Colerain Twp.

2024 TQL Sand Volleyball Classic

The TQL Classic lets you play beach volleyball while raising money for the Cincinnati Boys & Girls Club. Mixed teams of six to eight people can register for $150 to compete. Pool play begins at 10 a.m., followed by a single elimination tournament. Each team is guaranteed to play in at least three games, and there are prizes for the winners. Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Shoreline Social, 4855 Kellogg Ave., Linwood

Taproom Record Fair

Rhinegeist’s taproom will be transformed into a giant boozy record store on Saturday afternoon. Local shops like Plaid Room Records, Three Feather and Hey Suburbia, as well as out-of-town dealers like Blind Rage and Used Kids will be selling vinyl of all kinds. You’ll also be able to meet music producer and Monophonics frontman Kelly Finnigan, as well as other producers from the Colemine Records label. Don’t forget to check out the special edition Record Fair merchandise. Saturday, August 24, 12-5 p.m., Rhinegiest Brewery, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine

The Urban Thrive Festival

Great Parks of Hamilton County is bringing nature into the city with the Urban Thrive Festival. Those with less regular access to natural spaces can participate in free activities like yoga, hiking and garden tours, and attend live demonstrations on seeding, fish filleting, canning and more. Exhibitors from places like the Civic Garden Center, Mill Creek Alliance and Hamilton County Community Action Agency will also provide visitors with information and resources on how to make their lives more environmentally friendly. Saturday, August 24, 3-7 p.m., Nature Center at The Summit, 1580 Summit Rd., Roselawn

Jungle Jim’s Fire Weekend

Heat freaks and spice fans should head to Jungle Jim’s in Fairfield for a weekend of hot sauce and spicy food celebrations. Spice is everywhere you look – hot sauce samples, a build-your-own-hot-blood-mary bar, head-to-head challenges and even pepper-eating contests. You can also try out some hot rides on Sunday when the Cincy Cool Cars Club shows off their vehicles. Tickets are $15 and there will be plenty of free drink stations to cool off at. Saturday, August 24 – Sunday, August 25, Oscar Event Center, 5440 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield

2024 Festival of Faiths

Cincinnati is a diverse city with people of all faiths. From the Catholic foundations to the historic Jewish community to the ever-growing Hindu and Muslim populations in the suburbs, religious people of all stripes come together to share and celebrate their similarities and differences at the Festival of Faiths. Bonding activities such as guided meditation, moderated conversations, panel discussions and cultural performances are held to bring everyone together. Sunday, August 25, 12-5 p.m., Cintas Center, 1624 Musketeer Dr., Evanston

Cincy Gay Agenda Launch Party

Midwestern Lesbian, everyone’s favorite local queer event planner, is launching the Cincy Gay Agenda, the city’s ultimate queer event calendar, and is throwing a party to celebrate. From 1-3 p.m. there will be a club and organization fair where you can see the city’s many great LGBTQIA+ groups to join. At 2 p.m. PH Dee will take the stage for a family-friendly drag show and at 2:30 p.m. Hotmess Sports will host an open kickball game. From 3-5 p.m. you can end the evening with food and drinks at Ziggy’s for the afterparty. Don’t forget to follow both Midwestern Lesbian and Cincy Gay Agenda to stay up to date on all the local queer events! Sunday, August 25, 1-5 p.m., Zeigler Park, 1322 Sycamore St., Pendleton